Indiana has decided it won't sign a new contract to play Kentucky in men's basketball, ending a rivalry that has been played every year since 1969.Tom Crean released a statement on the signing of Guy-Marc Michel.
"We feel fortunate to add a student athlete with the presence and size of Guy," Crean said. "He automatically upgrades our program on the defensive end with his shot blocking and post defense. We also feel he will help us with defensive rebounding and help defense.
"Offensively, he wants the basketball with strong post ups. I also see him being able to pass the ball out of double teams and we feel he can shoot it up to 15 feet. His upside is exciting and once he gets in top shape, I think he will be prepared to help us."
He averaged 7.1 points per game, 7.3 rebounds per game this year at North Idaho College. He led the Scenic West Athletic Conference (SWAC) in blocked shots and was 16th nationally with 3.1 blocks per game. Michel is a native of Sainte-Marie, Martinique, an island in the Caribbean.
"I am glad (assistant coach) Steve (McClain) is the relentless recruiter that he is, because this is another example of him going against the grain to find a real prospect," Crean said. "I know how excited Steve has been about Guy and we all feel the same way. Our players are very excited to add Guy to our Indiana program."
